THE TIME TO DECLARE WAR

“War should be declared as soon as possible.  The reason for the diplomatic rupture is sufficient reason for declaring war.  This has already been explained.  It would be impossible for us to find an excuse for declaring war if war be declared now.  According to usual procedure war is declared when the forces of the two countries come into actual conflict.  Now such a possibility does not exist between China and Germany.  Since it is futile to expect Germany to declare war on us first, we should ask ourselves if war is necessary.  If not, then let us go on as we are, otherwise we must not hesitate any more.

“Some say that China should not declare war on Germany until we have come to a definite understanding with the Entente Allies respecting certain terms.  This is indeed a wrong conception of things.  We declare war because we want to fight for humanity, international law and against a national enemy.  It is not because we are partial towards the Entente or against Germany or Austria.  International relations are not commercial connexions.  Why then should we talk about exchange of privileges and rights?  As to the revision of Customs tariff, it has been our aspiration for more than ten years and a foremost diplomatic question, for which we have been looking for a suitable opportunity to negotiate with the foreign Powers.  It is our view that the opportunity has come because foreign Powers are now on very friendly terms with China.  It is distinctly a separate thing from the declaration of war.  Let no one try to confuse the two.

THE QUESTION OF AUSTRIA

“If China decides to declare war on Germany the same attitude should be taken towards Austria.  We have severed diplomatic relations with Germany but retain the status quo with Austria.  This is fraught with danger.  German intrigue is to be dreaded.  What they have done in America and Mexico is enough to shock us.  The danger can easily be imagined when we remember that they have in China the Austrian Legation, Austrian Consulates and Austrian concessions as their bases of operation for intrigue and plotting.  Some say we should follow America, which has not yet severed diplomatic relations with Austria.  This is a great mistake.  America can afford to ignore Austria because there are no Austrian concessions and Austrian consular jurisdiction in America.

“The question is then what steps should be taken to sever diplomatic relations with and declare war on Austria.  The solution is that since Austria has also communicated to our Minister regarding her submarine policy we can serve her with an ultimatum demanding that the submarine policy be cancelled within twenty-four hours.  If Austria refuses, China may sever diplomatic relations and declare war at the same time immediately upon the expiry of the twenty-four hour limit.